About Friendship Force
Metro Vancouver
Discover a world of cultural exchange and lifelong connections with Friendship Force Metro Vancouver, a local branch of Friendship Force International. As a non-profit organization founded in 1977 by Wayne Smith and supported by President Jimmy and Roselyn Carter, Friendship Force is dedicated to fostering understanding, cultural education, and citizen diplomacy through homestay Journeys and personal friendships. With a global presence in over 60 countries and on six continents, we boast 15,000 active members and facilitate approximately 300 Journeys annually.
Our Journey from Fraser Valley to Metro Vancouver
Established in 2005 by Orest Pyrch, a retired teacher, our local club initially went by the name Friendship Force of the Fraser Valley. Starting with six retired Langley teachers, the club quickly expanded to include members from Langley, Surrey, White Rock, and West Vancouver. Over the years, our outreach extended beyond the valley into the city, leading to the rechristening of our club as Friendship Force Metro Vancouver. In 2015, we proudly hosted the Annual World Conference, welcoming over 500 ambassadors from various countries.
Honoring Orest Pyrch’s Legacy
In tribute to Orest Pyrch’s invaluable contributions, Friendship Force Metro Vancouver commemorates his memory with a plaque and an oak tree planted along the oak tree-lined path in Derek Doubletree Arbour, located at 21177 Fraser Highway in Langley, BC.
Our Club Culture
At Friendship Force Metro Vancouver, our club culture is a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of diversity, warmth, and a shared passion for cultural exchange. Our members embody the spirit of friendship, fostering connections that transcend borders and bring the world closer together.
Inclusivity: We welcome members from all walks of life, creating a diverse and inclusive community where everyone’s unique perspectives enrich our shared experiences.
Global Perspective: With a curiosity for the world and a commitment to understanding different cultures, our members embrace the global perspective that Friendship Force offers.
Friendship and Support: Strong bonds of friendship are at the core of our culture. Whether sharing stories at meetings, hosting international guests, or embarking on journeys together, we support and uplift one another.
Respect and Understanding: We celebrate the richness of cultural diversity and cultivate an environment built on respect and understanding. Our interactions are guided by an appreciation for each member’s background and experiences.
Active Engagement: From participating in local events to embarking on international journeys, our club members actively engage in the global community. We believe that meaningful connections are forged through shared adventures.
Continuous Learning: Embracing a spirit of curiosity, we value continuous learning about different cultures, traditions, and languages. This fosters a dynamic environment where knowledge is shared and celebrated.
Join us at FFMV, where every member is a storyteller, every journey is an opportunity for discovery, and every connection transcends borders. Together, we embody the true essence of friendship.
Why Become a Member?
Explore the Unexplored
Venture off the beaten track and experience the heart of a country and its people.
Cultural Immersion
Stay with local families, gaining insights into a new culture from the inside.
Represent Your Country
Be an ambassador, changing the way others perceive your culture and the world.
Lifelong Learning
Engage in language learning programs with host families, promoting full language immersion.
Lasting Friendships
Forge connections that stand the test of time.
Make a Difference
Assist new friends, practice your language, and contribute to needy schools.
A World of Friends is a World of Peace
Embark on a journey that transcends borders, creating a world united by friendship and understanding.
When And Where We Gather
Club Meetings
Join us every second month, from September to May, on Saturdays for our lively club meetings.
Optional Group Lunch
We kick off with an optional group lunch, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Bring Guests
Members are encouraged to bring guests along, adding to the vibrant mix.
Social Calendar
Explore our Social Calendar to see all the exciting events like festive celebrations, and activities like card nights and theatre outings.
Our Mission
Global Understanding
At FFMV, our mission is clear: to foster global understanding by breaking down the barriers that divide people.
Individual Contribution
We believe that each individual has the power to contribute to global goodwill.
Bridge Differences
Our worldwide network actively seeks to bridge differences among people and nations.
Promote Unity and Friendship
Join us in our mission to promote unity and friendship across borders.
Explore, Understand, Serve
Explore
We embark on journeys to new countries and regions, exploring diverse cultures and discovering innovative ways to connect across the barriers that separate us.
Understand
Through shared experiences of home stays, meals, and everyday conversations, individuals transform into friends. This connection goes beyond governments and borders, delving into the heart of a country and its people.
Serve
Exploration begets understanding, and understanding fosters an acceptance of our common humanity. This, in turn, sparks the desire to serve our global village through both words and actions.
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